2.3L ('83-'97) 89 2.3 Crankshaft not turning after taking engine out.

[MaD]

Took the engine out to change motor mounts/water pump/ exhaust manifold/ clean engine (mainly the oil pan). The engine wouldn't start after putting it back in. There's spark on the exhaust side and the fuel rail valve lets fuel out. Then we noticed the crankshaft wasn't turning. What would cause this? What could have gone wrong? Thanks in advance.

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

Maybe something is not correct between trans and motor? Is the clutch releasing properly?

 

[MaD]

Maybe something is not correct between trans and motor? Is the clutch releasing properly?

This is my 1st manual, I wouldn't really know.The truck had a bad fuel pump which I had changed it and it ran good and strong. My pops drove it out the garage and back in to have the engine towards us as we had it backed in because we did the back frame/gas tank. He said the clutch felt sticky or loose I can't remember. Took the engine out to replace a lot of parts as they are 30 years old. We didn't touch anything internally or the timing belt either. The original owner has had the timing belt changed there was a receipt in the glove box I can't remember the year. I'll look for it. I bought the truck last year and haven't driven it before all this. How would I go about checking the clutch?

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

Are you holding the clutch down while trying to start? You need to.

 

[MaD]

Are you holding the clutch down while trying to start? You need to.

Yes I am. My dad is helping me also, he knows how to drive a manual. I asked him if the clutch is releasing properly and he said he thinks so but isn't 100% sure. Tomorrow he's gonna try and turn it by hand.

 

[scotts90ranger]

It's impossible to have spark without the crankshaft turning, so what's going on?

Do you mean camshaft? If the crank is turning and you have spark but the cam isn't turning then your timing belt is bad.

 

[Josh B]

Be very careful about him turning it by hand, wouldn't be good if things got confuzzled there

 

[Josh B]

You might pull the plugs and turn it a few times while watching if things are going the way it should

 

[MaD]

Be very careful about him turning it by hand, wouldn't be good if things got confuzzled there

I just called him to tell him this but he's already did so. He told me he took the starter off to take it to AutoZone to get it tested which they said it was good. The guy there said to take the oil cap off to see if the rocker arms are moving. He said the engine started after removing the oil cap, but it has high idle.

 

[MaD]

It's impossible to have spark without the crankshaft turning, so what's going on?

Do you mean camshaft? If the crank is turning and you have spark but the cam isn't turning then your timing belt is bad.

I could have swore it was the crankshaft, the pulley wasn't moving when cranking. I could be wrong though. Anyway I called my pops and he said it started after removing the oil cap. But has a high idle... ??? I'll upload videos when I get off work.

 

[scotts90ranger]

Starting after removing the oil cap doesn't sound related. High idle after start sounds like a vacuum leak, an '89 doesn't have much for vacuum but make sure the brake booster hose is connected, it's the only big one other than the PCV hose behind the alternator, I'm pretty sure the hose from the charcoal canister is in front of the throttle blade but don't remember how that works...

 

[Josh B]

Since it sat so long I'd squirt a little oil in there with the plugs out and be sure nothing has went dry